Movies

Showtime in distribution deal with The Weinstein Company

16 Jul, 2008 - 02:30 PM IST | | 216 Reads

MUMBAI: In a move that enhances its slate of theatrical motion pictures, Showtime Networks in the US has entered into an exclusive seven-year film distribution arrangement with The Weinstein Company (TWC).

The joint announcement was made by Showtime Networks chairman and CEO Matthew C Blank and TWC co-chairmen Bob and Harvey Weinstein.

The new output deal is effective with TWCs 2009 release schedule and includes such films as Nine directed by Rob Marshall Chicago and featuring an all-star cast including Daniel Day-Lewis, Nicole Kidman, Marion Cotillard, Penelope Cruz, Judi Dench and Sophia Loren, and Quentin Tarantino‘s Inglorious Bastards.

Blank says, "This exclusive agreement with TWC will deliver our subscribers an enormous and diverse slate of films at a price to Showtime that is consistent with todays marketplace. Bobs and Harveys films are known for quality and promotability, making them a perfect fit with the acclaimed and award-winning original series that have generated strong momentum and subscriber growth for Showtime. We will continue to pursue such value-enhancing deals in the future."

The agreement with TWC, combined with upcoming deals from other theatrical distributors and future product from CBS Films, will form a potent feature film portfolio alongside Showtime‘s original series and sports programming. These series include Dexter, Californication, The Tudors, Weeds

Additional titles included from TWC are Andrew Jareckis All Good Things starring Ryan Gosling and Kirsten Dunst, a modern remake of Kurosawas legendary Seventh Samurai, the screen adaptation of author Paulo Coelho‘s best-selling novel The Alchemist, and Richard Shepard‘s Panic based on Jeff Abbotts best-selling book.

The output deal also includes releases from Dimension Films such as Youth In Revolt based on CD Paynes bestselling book and starring Michael Cera, 6 Billion Dollar Man, the remake of David Cronenbergs Scanners, re-starting the Scream franchise with Scream 4, and Piranha 3D.